How to Find a Rental in Italy for the Digital Nomad Visa
From someone who has done it.
The moment you realise the Digital Nomad Visa wants proof of accommodation, the fantasy of moving to Italy suddenly bumps into the reality of finding a rental from another continent. It becomes this odd little cocktail of excitement and mild panic. One minute you are picturing your future self eating pasta in a cosy trattoria. The next you are imagining signing a contract you barely understand and hoping it does not secretly say you need to water someone’s plants for life.
The process only feels intimidating until you understand how Italy likes to do things. The country is not trying to make anything difficult. It simply moves at its own rhythm, and once you learn to move with it, the search stops feeling like a blind leap and starts feeling more like something you can navigate with a clearer head.
I know this because I have done it myself when I was looking for a place in Lecce, Puglia. I was always applying for Citizenship but with the current law currently in a state of flux, I decided to have a backup plan should Citizenship fall through.
When I searched for my first rental in Italy, I was sitting in Australia with little more than hope, blurry screenshots and a very patchy understanding of Italian leasing. Valentina handled everything on the ground for me. She visited apartments, spoke with agents, checked the contracts and sent videos so I could actually imagine what my life might look like there. I was very fortunate and managed to find an apartment within a couple of days of looking – it was actually the very first one Valentina went to. I’m still here, so it was a great find!
What the Digital Nomad Visa requires for accommodation in Italy
For the Digital Nomad Visa, you need proof of accommodation in the form of a registered rental contract for one year. The catch is it can’t be an airbnb or something your great aunt has put together. It needs to be the real deal or the commune will decline you.
Searching from abroad and learning how Italy communicates
Searching for digital nomad accommodation in Italy from another country is one of the bravest things you can do for your future self. It also teaches you patience. Italian rental listings can be beautiful to look at while conveniently forgetting to mention things like heating type, stairs, or the fact that there’s no oven – this is very common!
The secret is to zoom out before you zoom in. Look at the neighbourhood, not just the apartment. Wander the street on Google Maps. Notice the butcher, the bakery, the bar on the corner and the distance to public transport. Imagine the walk you will take every morning. The life around the apartment shapes your daily rhythm more than the apartment does. But also be open-minded. The street I committed to looks a lot better in person than it did on Google Maps.
When you are searching from abroad, having someone local is a gift. I never would have secured my place from Australia without Valentina checking the practicalities and being able to speak the language and negotiate the contract.
Understanding Italian rental contracts
Most contracts are in Italian. This is completely normal. If something feels unclear, ask for a translation or get help, because Italy loves a rental contract with a nickname. You will see things like a 4+4 (this is what I have), a 3+2 and a transitorio. The 4+4 is the classic long term lease. It renews in four year stretches and gives the landlord a lot of stability, which is why many prefer it. The 3+2 is often considered the sweet spot for tenants because the rent is negotiated at the beginning and then locked in for the full five year cycle. It creates a sense of security, especially if you are planning to stay a while and want to avoid surprise rent increases. The transitorio is temporary and often used for people who need a place for a clearly defined period. It is perfectly acceptable for the Digital Nomad Visa as long as the dates and details are written correctly. In Italy, you can negotiate terms like a notice period, rent and inclusions. This area is a little more flexible than it is in Australia.
Speaking with landlords and agents
This is the part that worries most people, but Italians are far more human than the internet suggests. When you message an agent or landlord, introduce yourself. Tell them why you are applying for the Digital Nomad Visa. Share a little about your work and what kind of home you are looking for.
Some clients prefer that we speak with landlords on their behalf. This is common and sometimes easier, especially when language or etiquette feels overwhelming. A local voice can smooth the process beautifully and honestly, until I had Valentina searching for me, I had zero replies to my emails.
How to know when a place is right for you
Choosing a rental is more than ticking a box for the visa. It is choosing the place where your new life will unfold, quirks and all. Be open to homes that feel a little less modern than what you are used to. Italian decor has its own charm. Dishwashers and air conditioning are not guaranteed. In fact, they are far from common so make sure you ask. These were non negotiables for me, particularly when relocating to Southern Italy where it’s notoriously hotter. Find out about how big the boiler is - often what is responsible for the length of your showers. I had to have this changed within a month because I was only able to have 3 minute showers! The place you choose does not need to be perfect. It only needs to feel like somewhere you could settle into with a sense of ease, even if the tiles have opinions of their own.
Preparing for your move while keeping your balance
There will always be a moment during a move when doubt whispers in your ear. You might wonder if you are doing something reckless. You might feel strange signing a contract from a distance. This is part of the emotional journey. Italy does not expect you to be fearless. It invites you to trust the small steps. If you feel overwhelmed, pause for a day. Breathe. Remember why you chose this path. The rental is just one piece. Your new life will grow from it gently.
When you finally sign the contract
When Valentina confirmed my lease, I felt something in me anchor. Relief mixed with excitement and a quiet sense of certainty. There was an address with my name on it. A place waiting for me. Watching clients reach that moment now feels just as meaningful.
And when you walk through your new front door for the first time, you will understand that feeling in entirety - plus we’ll have some groceries waiting for you in the fridge!
Stef xx
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